At daybreak the camp was astir. The men who had been on guard duty and scouting through the night came in, somewhat heavy-eyed, after a relief had been marched out to take their places.
These returned soldiers, as soon as they had breakfasted, threw themselves on the ground, under such shade as they could find, and took an hour of solid sleep.
"The wagon train is approaching, sir," reported Sergeant Gray.
"Then pass the order for the men to report at the train and draw rations to last until to-morrow night," directed Captain Cortland. "After to-morrow night the two companies will be together again for the balance of the field work."
Lieutenant Prescott was acting as commissary officer for B Company, and he went immediately to the trail. Captain Cortland, stepping into his tent, buckled on his sword and then sauntered down to the wagon train to see that all went smoothly.
As he reached the spot where the soldiers of B Company were drawing their rations, Captain Cortland caught sight of a corporal perched on the seat beside the driver of one of the wagons.
"You here, Corporal Haynes?" demanded Captain Cortland, striving hard to preserve his official gravity.
Grinning sheepishly, Corporal Haynes—in his stocking feet—sprang down into the trail and saluted.
"Yes, sir," he admitted.
"Ill?"